Football fans across Maharashtra will be able to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at restaurants, cafés and hotels without worrying about closing hours after the state government granted a one-time extension of operating hours until 4:00 AM on Monday, July 20. The relaxation, issued by the Maharashtra Home Department under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, follows a request from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Mumbai, seeking permission for hospitality establishments to remain open for live screenings of the tournament finale. The order applies to licensed eateries, hotels and restaurants across the state and is valid only for the FIFA World Cup final. ALSO READ | Argentina Vs Spain: Kerala Declares Holiday For Schools, Colleges On July 20 Over FIFA World Cup Final According to the government order, establishments must deploy adequate private security personnel inside and outside their premises and ensure that the extended operating ...
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to make the most of seeing Lionel Messi lead his team out in another World Cup final at the age of 39 as the holders aim to retain the trophy when they take on Spain this weekend. "He has made history. He is a legend," Scaloni said of the former Barcelona player, who has already helped Argentina win a World Cup and back-to-back Copa America titles in the last five years. Messi's international career has enjoyed a remarkable late renaissance -- a decade ago he briefly retired from the Argentina team at the age of 29 after a Copa America final loss to Chile, his fourth defeat in a final for his country. Messi and Scaloni hugged on the pitch at full-time after Wednesday's 2-1 semi-final win over England, with the Argentine captain calling that victory "pure history". "It fills me with pride because he is the best player in the history of football," Scaloni said of Messi, who has scored eight goals at this ...